Container Gardens

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Containers are an invaluable component for decorating and adding to the style of your outside space. They can make a strong statement with shape and color or they can punctuate a garden as the centerpiece. In the right environment, even a jumble of pots can look charming. Whatever the intended purpose of the container, it is important the visual balance works between pot and garden.

Containers as artThe whole outdoor room theme is completed with containers dotted throughout the dining area. We thought those pockets were adorable and vertical growing is on our list of sustainable practices.

Window Box ContainerA sure way to spruce up a wall and window is with a window box. The nice combination of reds in bricks and flowers creates harmony.

Window Box ContainerHere the window box completes the chair and table ensemble and becomes the artwork on the wall.

Colorful ContainersHouse colors can be carried throughout the garden. Containers are a perfect accent for bold colors.

Colorful ContainersHere we've used natural colors to complement the wall and we've filled it with plants to match the container. Another fun way to use colors.

Colorful ContainersHere the colors match the house trim and the informal plants combinations match the style of the container.

Colorful ContainersIf you have a hole to fill in the garden, a container is a reliable, easy solution.

Container Garden to Soften HardscapesWe didn't get back to take our photo when these containers were lush and cascading with foliage. After redesigning the mudroom steps we needed something to soften all that stone. An eclectic assortment of containers usually does the trick.

Urns on the StoopYou see urns everywhere in New England. They act as living pillars inviting your guest to walk between them. We picked these up at the Brimfield antique fair for much less than retail.

Urns on the StoopThe size of urns is important. These urns are small, keeping in sync with the scale of the stoop and doorway.

Container StyleSometimes the container is all the decoration you need. Planting one kind of flower is all it needs. Don't overdo it.

Container StandsIf you really want to make a statement, buy a stand like this. We planted this elegant handled urn with lavender, lantana, and vinca. We learned the bowl was too shallow for these plant combinations, so we'll try something different next time.

Containers as Focal PointsDesigned specifically for a grand container, this new entrance foyer displays this classical concrete container. It is replanted three times a year and is a show stopper.

Containers as Focal Points (close-up view)

Containers as Focal Points

Container ClustersWhere one container is the show, three containers can entertain with varying sizes, heights, and colors. Containers should be of complementary style, but I've seen wonderful eclectic collections too.

Container ClustersPlanted in early June and still showing color in early September these containers were planted with lavender, geraniums, heliotrope and under-planted with lobelias. They are designed to complement the nearby English rose garden.

Containers as DecorationA small courtyard garden functions as an outdoor room and is decorated with containers as garden art.

Container StyleContainer style can lend flavor and character as shown here where Greek and classical styles are reminiscent of old European time.

Container ClustersIf you have lots of containers grouped together dripping with foliage it doesn't really matter what the containers look like because you won't see them at the end of the season. So go for it, use whatever drains well.

Deck Boxes as ContainersWe had a long space at the end of the driveway with lousy soil so we got a deck box and the client filled it with annuals. Containers are good way to solve design challenged areas.

Giant ContainersEighty-five giant containers with roses, petunias and agapanthus. These are good plastic containers if you have large quantities and are on a budget. This was a project for the Rose F. Kennedy Greenway in Boston.

Holiday ContainersContainers are an excellent way to show off your holiday spirit. We partnered with a local gardener who designed this cheery garden trilogy.

Container ClustersGroup pots so that there is a variety of heights and emphasize with interesting foliage.

Container PlantingOne way to emphasize the container shape is to plant in a similar shape.